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2019 Audi A6 2019 Audi A6

2019 Audi A6

The A6 is the volume model in Audi's mid-size luxury sedan range. New for the latest model year, the A6 provides an appealing blend of luxury, technology and responsive handling dynamics.

Overview

The A6 embodies Audi's latest design language. It wears a large rendition of the company's ubiquitous singleframe grille that's flanked by narrow headlights. It also features a large greenhouse, which helps with outward visibility. It's one of the more discreet-looking models in its competitive set, which includes the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the BMW 5 Series, and the Cadillac CTS.

The extensive use of lightweight materials like aluminum helps keep weight in check. Every A6 comes with an S-Line body kit that gives it a sportier look; buyers who want an even more aggressive design can order a Sport package which adds 20-inch alloy wheels (a size bigger than stock), among other features.

Life aboard

Like you'd rightfully expect from an Audi, the A6 features a well-finished cabin complete with beautiful wood inlays and a user-friendly layout. The wrap-around dashboard is canted towards the driver, and there's a digital instrument cluster in lieu of traditional gauges. The materials inside the A6 are nice to touch and look at. Leather upholstery comes standard, as does three-zone automatic climate control and a power sunroof.

All models come standard with Audi's latest MMI Touch Response infotainment system. It's a twin-screen setup with haptic feedback technology. It's intuitive and smartphone-like to use; we like that it lets the driver reconfigure the home menu by moving icons around. The graphics are excellent and its response time is lightning quick.

Under the hood

At launch, Audi will offer the A6 with a single engine. It's a 3.0-liter V6 that makes 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Power gets sent to the four wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system. The A6 takes 5.1 seconds to reach 60 mph from a stop.

There is a 48-volt mild hybrid system to keep fuel economy in check. It consists of a small battery pack stuffed under the trunk floor and a belt starter alternator. It can't drive the A6 on its own, but it helps make the stop-start system smoother.

The line-up will grow with the addition of a four-cylinder-powered model in the coming years.

Standard and optional features

Audi breaks down the A6 line-up into three trim levels called Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, respectively. The list of standard features includes the S-Line body kit, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated and auto-dimming door mirrors, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights with dynamic turn signals, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, MMI Touch Response, three-zone climate control, a power sunroof, leather upholstery, contrast stitching, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, walnut wood inlays, LED interior lighting, progressive steering, and Pre-Sense City technology (detailed below).

Buyers have several extra-cost options to choose from. The Cold Weather package adds heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. The Convenience Package bundles a phone box with a wireless charger, Audi's advance key technology, power-folding exterior mirrors, Side Assist, and Pre-Sense Rear (detailed below). Buyers can also add a DVD player.

Occupant safety

All A6 models come equipped with dual front airbags, driver and passenger head airbags, head curtain airbags for both rows of seats, driver and front passenger knee air bags and side thorax airbags. Rear-passenger thorax side airbags are optional.

Other standard safety features include traction and stability control systems, ABS with electronic brake-pressure distribution and a tire-monitoring system. Audi also offers Pre-Sense City, which detects bicyclists and pedestrians at speeds of up to 52 mph and brakes if it senses a collision is imminent. Side Assist (blind spot monitoring) and Pre-Sense Rear (which tensions the seat belts in the event of a rear-end collision) are among the driving aids offered on the top two trim levels.

Key competitors

Shopping for an A6? You can also look at the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Cadillac CTS, the Jaguar XF, the Lexus GS, and the BMW 5 Series.

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